1 Peter 2: 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
Ephesians 2:4 But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, 5 even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), 6 and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.
The Apostle Peter and the Apostle Paul precede these verses explaining how God once rejected us but embraces us in the same breathe. The Father did not create us to be firewood. He did not create us to be scrap paper. We were always created to be good, very good, and royalty. It has always been about His Kingdom and the rules that apply in the world apply to the Kingdom, only in this special case it’s all in who you know. The case of “the who” has been Jesus Christ since His birth even until now. Christ is eternal but we are thankful for His appearance in time in being our savior. Why God wants us so makes no sense from the intellectual standpoint but from His ultimate wisdom it is simply Grace and Mercy. Ephesians says that He makes us to sit in heavenly places. It’s His goodness that is irresistible. We would in the natural consider ourselves unworthy but in the spiritual through the blood of Christ and knowing Him we gain immediate elite status like Christ being chosen, royal, and holy (set apart).
Say it with me. Sanctification is a process :)
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Building God's house
Building God’s House
Isaiah 66
1 Thus says the LORD “ Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? 2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “ But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Contrite-1.caused by or showing sincere remorse.2.filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent
Poor-humble; modest (definition 13)
Tremble-to be troubled with fear or apprehension. (definition 2)
We know that our heavenly Father is Spirit and wants to dwell inside of us. In John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” In order that we may keep His words it requires being uncomfortable, humble, and establishing the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 8:13 says to fear the Lord is to hate evil.
We can look at the world today and find many reasons to be sorrowful or remorseful. We should not get to the point of being satisfied because we are not made perfect in Christ yet and also because the condition of mankind only gets worse. The comfort zone is probably the number one reason for spiritually stagnant Christians.
We in America struggle with pride. It is hard to be considered poor from a financial standpoint or any because of the abundance of resources readily available. There is always a struggle to not think we can move independent of God because He has blessed us so.
Moral standards are being crossed everyday through media and other outlets that attempt to render His holy standards useless. The agenda of “relax, we are only human” and “do whatever you want” is being pushed through our media. You can then ask how can we hate evil when we as a nation flirt with it everyday? We as a people and nation especially need to consider the house we are building for our Lord.
Isaiah 66
1 Thus says the LORD “ Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will build Me? And where is the place of My rest? 2 For all those things My hand has made, And all those things exist,” Says the LORD. “ But on this one will I look: On him who is poor and of a contrite spirit, and who trembles at My word.
Contrite-1.caused by or showing sincere remorse.2.filled with a sense of guilt and the desire for atonement; penitent
Poor-humble; modest (definition 13)
Tremble-to be troubled with fear or apprehension. (definition 2)
We know that our heavenly Father is Spirit and wants to dwell inside of us. In John 14:23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.” In order that we may keep His words it requires being uncomfortable, humble, and establishing the fear of the Lord. Proverbs 8:13 says to fear the Lord is to hate evil.
We can look at the world today and find many reasons to be sorrowful or remorseful. We should not get to the point of being satisfied because we are not made perfect in Christ yet and also because the condition of mankind only gets worse. The comfort zone is probably the number one reason for spiritually stagnant Christians.
We in America struggle with pride. It is hard to be considered poor from a financial standpoint or any because of the abundance of resources readily available. There is always a struggle to not think we can move independent of God because He has blessed us so.
Moral standards are being crossed everyday through media and other outlets that attempt to render His holy standards useless. The agenda of “relax, we are only human” and “do whatever you want” is being pushed through our media. You can then ask how can we hate evil when we as a nation flirt with it everyday? We as a people and nation especially need to consider the house we are building for our Lord.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
what are we working for?
What are we working for?
Ephesians 2: 8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Paul said that we were Christ’s workmanship. Workmanship means the product or result of labor and skill; work executed. Our new life was created in Christ Jesus when He completed the work God gave Him. We clock in by believing in Jesus and at that point our righteousness becomes effective. It begins the grace period. So it’s not how much I go to a building on set days or how I try to be just this good person but all work is established in or through faith in Jesus Christ alone. If we don’t first believe in Christ then it’s like going to work and forgetting to clock in. It’s like going to college for so many years and then going to your graduation to find out that you never registered for classes or weren’t even accepted into the school. We have to believe in Christ.
Believe in Christ and doing good works = Clocking in ☺
James 2:20
Ephesians 2: 8 for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.
Paul said that we were Christ’s workmanship. Workmanship means the product or result of labor and skill; work executed. Our new life was created in Christ Jesus when He completed the work God gave Him. We clock in by believing in Jesus and at that point our righteousness becomes effective. It begins the grace period. So it’s not how much I go to a building on set days or how I try to be just this good person but all work is established in or through faith in Jesus Christ alone. If we don’t first believe in Christ then it’s like going to work and forgetting to clock in. It’s like going to college for so many years and then going to your graduation to find out that you never registered for classes or weren’t even accepted into the school. We have to believe in Christ.
Believe in Christ and doing good works = Clocking in ☺
James 2:20
Monday, December 13, 2010
we may fall down but the Lord isn't finished with us yet
We may fall down but the Lord isn’t finished with us yet….
Romans 7:15 for what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
The Apostle Paul could easily be cited as being one of the most influential and vital contributors to the New Testament. Paul reveals his “human side “in Romans 7 of battling flesh versus his spirit. Many people may look at this passage as Paul cosigning for sin but he later pens in Romans 13:14 to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not to make provision for the desires of the flesh. I like what he says in Philippians 3;12 " Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me". Giving up is not an option as we keep moving forward until the coming of our Lord. It is a daily process but with the help of the Lord we will get there.
Romans 7:15 for what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do. 16 If, then, I do what I will not to do, I agree with the law that it is good. 17 But now, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. 19 For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice.
The Apostle Paul could easily be cited as being one of the most influential and vital contributors to the New Testament. Paul reveals his “human side “in Romans 7 of battling flesh versus his spirit. Many people may look at this passage as Paul cosigning for sin but he later pens in Romans 13:14 to put on the Lord Jesus Christ and not to make provision for the desires of the flesh. I like what he says in Philippians 3;12 " Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me". Giving up is not an option as we keep moving forward until the coming of our Lord. It is a daily process but with the help of the Lord we will get there.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Christian
The purpose of us following Christ is not to get to that Apex moment and to look at another and say hey you dirt bag, i'm better than you. God never intended for Christ to be crushed, battered, and bruised only for us to gloat in our superficial holiness. The very name of Christ is slandered at the moment when we think upon ourselves to be more than what we are. Jesus Christ was the bomb and even He wasn't full of Himself. He always did things to glorify God. Like manner we are to do things to glorify Christ which in return glorifies God. I am thankful and honored to know that God loved us so much to send Jesus to live the perfect and flawless life for us. If I am looking to be right in the sight of God and man through works then the cross is rendered useless.
The Lord's Prayer
he Lord’s Prayer
Matthew 6: 9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer is the basic model for the Christian lifestyle. It identifies God as Father or the Head of the family of earth. It gives us the lens in which we should view Him. God is elevated not only because He is in heaven but because His name is above all name and He is the God of all gods. God is Holy and our understanding that is so important. The Father desires love, respect, and honor from the free will of people on earth. He wants for His creation to recognize Him and to do His will so that we can be a part of His Kingdom and be His children. The order of earth has always been intended to flow in the mode of heaven. The angels are given commandment and they follow them out so obedience is never in question. He expects the same level of obedience from us as well. There is worship for Him alone and praise is perpetual. We are to seek Him daily for guidance through prayer and His Word. Jesus said in John 4:34, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. He knows because of Adam (1st sin against God) and Cain (1st sin against man) that sin abides but He wants our horizontal relationships with our neighbors to be whole so that it doesn’t affect our vertical with Him. He desires mercy and not sacrifice. We can't do any of this apart from Him and He is the power source to tie all things together. If we follow the bidding of His Spirit then we are able to endure temptation and to conquer evil.
Matthew 6: 9After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11Give us this day our daily bread.
12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer is the basic model for the Christian lifestyle. It identifies God as Father or the Head of the family of earth. It gives us the lens in which we should view Him. God is elevated not only because He is in heaven but because His name is above all name and He is the God of all gods. God is Holy and our understanding that is so important. The Father desires love, respect, and honor from the free will of people on earth. He wants for His creation to recognize Him and to do His will so that we can be a part of His Kingdom and be His children. The order of earth has always been intended to flow in the mode of heaven. The angels are given commandment and they follow them out so obedience is never in question. He expects the same level of obedience from us as well. There is worship for Him alone and praise is perpetual. We are to seek Him daily for guidance through prayer and His Word. Jesus said in John 4:34, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. He knows because of Adam (1st sin against God) and Cain (1st sin against man) that sin abides but He wants our horizontal relationships with our neighbors to be whole so that it doesn’t affect our vertical with Him. He desires mercy and not sacrifice. We can't do any of this apart from Him and He is the power source to tie all things together. If we follow the bidding of His Spirit then we are able to endure temptation and to conquer evil.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Which operating system are you using?
People are much like computers. We shutdown and sometimes we need to be restarted so that we can reboot our system. We are susceptible to viruses in many ways. The virus of sin affecting both the natural and spiritual or viruses that affect our natural bodies only. I’ve said all of that to question what operating system are you using? We were all created unique models and we have the same maker in God. He desires us to use the operating system that is suitable for the type of machines we are. We are spiritual “machines” living out our existence in a physical body. The operating system God desires for us is HOLY SPIRIT. Galatians 5: 6 so I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. If we flow in the Spirit then the fruits of them will follow. Galatians 5:22,23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
The other operating system is the Worlds system. The world system consists of anything that rejects the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:16 for everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. The creator of that is of course Satan and it has a definite expiration date set up in which it will not have any more versions. In fact the version that it operates under is still the same old version even from the fall of Adam. The enemy has been using the same old tactics of causing us to doubt God’s Word. He even questioned the Word with scripture in Matthew 4-11 and leaving out key points to accomplish his plan to deceive. The world system is a twisted version of the Spirit. You can be sure that whatever the Spirit of God suggests, there is an invert of it:
Galatians 5: 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. It is imperative for us to share with the world the best operating system that is offered in the name of Jesus Christ alone. 2 Corinthians 4: 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
The other operating system is the Worlds system. The world system consists of anything that rejects the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 John 2:16 for everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. The creator of that is of course Satan and it has a definite expiration date set up in which it will not have any more versions. In fact the version that it operates under is still the same old version even from the fall of Adam. The enemy has been using the same old tactics of causing us to doubt God’s Word. He even questioned the Word with scripture in Matthew 4-11 and leaving out key points to accomplish his plan to deceive. The world system is a twisted version of the Spirit. You can be sure that whatever the Spirit of God suggests, there is an invert of it:
Galatians 5: 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. It is imperative for us to share with the world the best operating system that is offered in the name of Jesus Christ alone. 2 Corinthians 4: 3 But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them. 5 For we do not preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your bondservants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Flesh injections
We can't let up on the flesh not even for a second. When that thing called flesh wants to get out of line then you have to give it a chill pill and if that doesn't work then inject the Word of God into its wayward heart. The heart of flesh is pride. Its likes to tell God what it ain't gonna do. The two can never see eye to eye. The two being the Spirit and flesh. If we operate in the flesh then its impossible to please God. The Word says that we cannot please God in Romans 8:8 if we operate in that. So we must build up our spirits by feeding it the Word and keep starving to death our flesh because it doesn't eat spiritual food.
Why Christmas?
Why Christmas?
This is a brief over view of why Jesus Christ, being the Son of God came to the earth in the form of a man. Jesus came to set the record straight. Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill”. Humanity tried so hard to obey the Law and listen to what the prophets instructed but it was an epic fail.
Jesus was also on a search and destroy mission. Luke 19:10 “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. ” and 1 John 3:8 “But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” When you are looking for something or someone that is lost, its hard work. Not only did Jesus seek the lost but also saved as well. He then handled Satan in His life, death,burial, and resurrection.
Jesus had that focus and was so humble. Matthew 20:28 says “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Imagine royalty coming to serve you! Jesus also gave up His life. He makes it clear that if He wanted to fight back it would not have been an issue. Matthew 26:53 Jesus says“Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide me with more than twelve legions of angels? Jesus even fought fair!
My favorite verse that validates Matthew 20:28 is what Jesus says in John 10:17 “the reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” I know that Jesus came the first time as the Lamb and He will return as a Lion but Jesus was still so hard! No one takes it from me! Hard!
The overall story kind of reminds you of Super Mario right? Defeat the dragon (Satan) and get the princess (The Church) So the next time someone asks you why you celebrate Christmas you’ll be ready :) Jesus is our hero!
This is a brief over view of why Jesus Christ, being the Son of God came to the earth in the form of a man. Jesus came to set the record straight. Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill”. Humanity tried so hard to obey the Law and listen to what the prophets instructed but it was an epic fail.
Jesus was also on a search and destroy mission. Luke 19:10 “for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. ” and 1 John 3:8 “But the Son of God came to destroy the works of the devil.” When you are looking for something or someone that is lost, its hard work. Not only did Jesus seek the lost but also saved as well. He then handled Satan in His life, death,burial, and resurrection.
Jesus had that focus and was so humble. Matthew 20:28 says “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Imagine royalty coming to serve you! Jesus also gave up His life. He makes it clear that if He wanted to fight back it would not have been an issue. Matthew 26:53 Jesus says“Or do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He will provide me with more than twelve legions of angels? Jesus even fought fair!
My favorite verse that validates Matthew 20:28 is what Jesus says in John 10:17 “the reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father.” I know that Jesus came the first time as the Lamb and He will return as a Lion but Jesus was still so hard! No one takes it from me! Hard!
The overall story kind of reminds you of Super Mario right? Defeat the dragon (Satan) and get the princess (The Church) So the next time someone asks you why you celebrate Christmas you’ll be ready :) Jesus is our hero!
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Same question in different times.
Joshua 24: 15 But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
I Kings 18:21 21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Same question in different times.
The theme of decision-making has been a popular subject in the scriptures from generation to generations. God obviously wants our decision to be Him but He won’t force us to make that decision. He simply asks the question. We as inhabitants of the planet often times shift to the gray lines. If we don’t make a decision then by default our decision is not the Lord because Jesus says in Revelations 3:16 that He spews the Luke-warm Christian from His mouth. It creates a undesirable taste to the Lord if we don’t make a decision to be completely for Him or to straightway identify ourselves as enemies of the Cross. Jesus says, in Mark 9:40 “for whoever is not against us is for us”. So who you with?
Team Jesus PSA ☺
I Kings 18:21 21 Elijah went before the people and said, “How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him; but if Baal is God, follow him.”
Matthew 6:24 “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.
Same question in different times.
The theme of decision-making has been a popular subject in the scriptures from generation to generations. God obviously wants our decision to be Him but He won’t force us to make that decision. He simply asks the question. We as inhabitants of the planet often times shift to the gray lines. If we don’t make a decision then by default our decision is not the Lord because Jesus says in Revelations 3:16 that He spews the Luke-warm Christian from His mouth. It creates a undesirable taste to the Lord if we don’t make a decision to be completely for Him or to straightway identify ourselves as enemies of the Cross. Jesus says, in Mark 9:40 “for whoever is not against us is for us”. So who you with?
Team Jesus PSA ☺
faith and forgiveness
Mark 11: 22 So Jesus answered and said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them. 25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Faith and forgiveness
I can imagine what the disciples were thinking as Jesus told them that they could move mountains if they had unwavering faith. Wow I have that kind of power? And then He goes and drops the other “f” bomb on them, forgiveness. He gave them something so powerful in letting them know that they could do the impossible but reminded them not to forget to do that which may at times seem impossible in the act of forgiving others. When we don’t forgive others it seems like we are powerful and are in control but now instead of moving a mountain we set up hills of stumbling blocks. When we don’t forgive others it is a form of arrogance that is a slap in the face to God. Its like we expect God to show partiality. Jesus may be our homeboy or friend but Homie don’t play being unforgiving.
A simple yet effective prayer is Lord please reveal to me if I have any grudges or haven’t forgiven a person who may have done wrong to me in the past. Lord please help me to forgive them from my heart so that You will also forgive my sins.
Matthew 18:21-35 is a good accompany reading
P.S forgiving sets us free ☺
Faith and forgiveness
I can imagine what the disciples were thinking as Jesus told them that they could move mountains if they had unwavering faith. Wow I have that kind of power? And then He goes and drops the other “f” bomb on them, forgiveness. He gave them something so powerful in letting them know that they could do the impossible but reminded them not to forget to do that which may at times seem impossible in the act of forgiving others. When we don’t forgive others it seems like we are powerful and are in control but now instead of moving a mountain we set up hills of stumbling blocks. When we don’t forgive others it is a form of arrogance that is a slap in the face to God. Its like we expect God to show partiality. Jesus may be our homeboy or friend but Homie don’t play being unforgiving.
A simple yet effective prayer is Lord please reveal to me if I have any grudges or haven’t forgiven a person who may have done wrong to me in the past. Lord please help me to forgive them from my heart so that You will also forgive my sins.
Matthew 18:21-35 is a good accompany reading
P.S forgiving sets us free ☺
repentance
Mark 1:14
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
What is repentance or what does it mean to repent? It can be debated but I’m thankful to have the official definition from Webster.com
Definition of REPENT
intransitive verb
1: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2a : to feel regret or contrition
b : to change one's mind
transitive verb
1: to cause to feel regret or contrition
2: to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for
Repentance or to repent is initially a one time occurrence that we should roll into our daily checklists. We transition from changing our minds about living a life without Christ to accepting Him. We transition from daily thinking like the world system says think to renewing our minds and taking on the mind of Christ. Its all repentance and to repent daily is necessary for our growth in the Lord.
14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”
What is repentance or what does it mean to repent? It can be debated but I’m thankful to have the official definition from Webster.com
Definition of REPENT
intransitive verb
1: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life
2a : to feel regret or contrition
b : to change one's mind
transitive verb
1: to cause to feel regret or contrition
2: to feel sorrow, regret, or contrition for
Repentance or to repent is initially a one time occurrence that we should roll into our daily checklists. We transition from changing our minds about living a life without Christ to accepting Him. We transition from daily thinking like the world system says think to renewing our minds and taking on the mind of Christ. Its all repentance and to repent daily is necessary for our growth in the Lord.
Heart condition
Sometimes what people consider being good advice is the worst advice to give. When we tell someone to follow his or her hearts it could lead to a world of trouble. God said it and not me.
Jeremiah 17:9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. (NKJV)
We can ask for help with this like David did in Psalms 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
And we should always seek to renew our minds on the daily but still the heart is what it is. The best advice to give is what Solomon suggested in Proverbs 3.
Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (NLT)
Jeremiah 17:9 “ The heart is deceitful above all things,
And desperately wicked;
Who can know it?
10 I, the LORD, search the heart,
I test the mind,
Even to give every man according to his ways,
According to the fruit of his doings. (NKJV)
We can ask for help with this like David did in Psalms 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.”
And we should always seek to renew our minds on the daily but still the heart is what it is. The best advice to give is what Solomon suggested in Proverbs 3.
Proverbs 3: 5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding.6 Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (NLT)
We His sheep
Luke 15: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
The parable of the lost sheep represents many things in one. It represents Christ who is the Lamb of God and also the Good Shepherd. We know that Jesus could relate from both perspectives because Christ is our Shepherd and He lived the Lamb experience. He also witnessed “sheep” that were lost throughout his ministry. Matthew 9:36 described one of his sheep experiences like this…
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd”.
The shepherd in the parable exhibits compassion as Christ did. It is evident that having ninety nine percent of his sheep wasn’t good enough and he wasn’t going to be satisfied until that lost one was found. I am so happy that God wants us, considers us valuable, and rejoices at the repentant sinner. I praise the Lord for His Spirit drawing us to Him when we were lost.I also pray the Lord places the burden in our hearts for “lost sheep” like this shepherd.
Matthew 9:37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
The parable of the lost sheep represents many things in one. It represents Christ who is the Lamb of God and also the Good Shepherd. We know that Jesus could relate from both perspectives because Christ is our Shepherd and He lived the Lamb experience. He also witnessed “sheep” that were lost throughout his ministry. Matthew 9:36 described one of his sheep experiences like this…
“But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd”.
The shepherd in the parable exhibits compassion as Christ did. It is evident that having ninety nine percent of his sheep wasn’t good enough and he wasn’t going to be satisfied until that lost one was found. I am so happy that God wants us, considers us valuable, and rejoices at the repentant sinner. I praise the Lord for His Spirit drawing us to Him when we were lost.I also pray the Lord places the burden in our hearts for “lost sheep” like this shepherd.
Matthew 9:37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 therefore pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Thought Patrol
Isaiah 55- 7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the LORD, And He will have mercy on him; And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. 8 “ For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the LORD 9 “ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.
I look at this passage as a challenge to mankind to elevate our thoughts so that our actions will correspond. God makes it clear that we are nowhere near His capacity of showing mercy and forgiveness (that’s a message within itself). He also illustrates to us that our ways and thoughts are ground level. It is a no brainer to know that our actions are directly sourced from our thoughts. The old adage “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop” is a reflection of the human heart or mind when it is not Christ centered.
James says it best in James 1 .” But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” It is so vital for us and our destiny by policing our thoughts and doing as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:5 bringing every thought into captivity into the obedience of Christ.
Watch your thoughts, they become your words
Watch your words, they become your actions
Watch your actions, they become your habits
Watch your habits, they become your character
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny-Anonymous
I look at this passage as a challenge to mankind to elevate our thoughts so that our actions will correspond. God makes it clear that we are nowhere near His capacity of showing mercy and forgiveness (that’s a message within itself). He also illustrates to us that our ways and thoughts are ground level. It is a no brainer to know that our actions are directly sourced from our thoughts. The old adage “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop” is a reflection of the human heart or mind when it is not Christ centered.
James says it best in James 1 .” But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. 15 then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death” It is so vital for us and our destiny by policing our thoughts and doing as Paul says in 2 Corinthians 10:5 bringing every thought into captivity into the obedience of Christ.
Watch your thoughts, they become your words
Watch your words, they become your actions
Watch your actions, they become your habits
Watch your habits, they become your character
Watch your character, it becomes your destiny-Anonymous
Faith in God vs Faith in ourselves.
Matthew 6 31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.
Faith in God vs Faith in ourselves
It is sometimes a challenge to live our lives with faith in God when we really live our lives based on the balance of our banking accounts. It is more assuring to know that hey I have a paycheck coming this week or to go online and see that positive balance or call and hear that positive available balance. God wants us to look to Him as our provider and to remember that even if we do have those checks rolling in and that nice positive available balance that we should place our Faith in Him instead of anything else. The a part of Deuteronomy 8:18 states “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” So even in having a job its God who blesses us each time to go and produce a paycheck or income. Jesus tells us to not worry in this passage or to put our complete faith in God because He is our provider and has us covered on all ends. That is a promise of Christ and God’s words do not return void.
Faith in God vs Faith in ourselves
It is sometimes a challenge to live our lives with faith in God when we really live our lives based on the balance of our banking accounts. It is more assuring to know that hey I have a paycheck coming this week or to go online and see that positive balance or call and hear that positive available balance. God wants us to look to Him as our provider and to remember that even if we do have those checks rolling in and that nice positive available balance that we should place our Faith in Him instead of anything else. The a part of Deuteronomy 8:18 states “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” So even in having a job its God who blesses us each time to go and produce a paycheck or income. Jesus tells us to not worry in this passage or to put our complete faith in God because He is our provider and has us covered on all ends. That is a promise of Christ and God’s words do not return void.
Spiritual clothes
Ephesians 6:
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Paul gives instructions on how we should conduct our selves in society and amongst immediate household or family members in the first nine verses. He then prepares us for the big picture. The first thing he says is the most important thing in verse 10, being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Too many times we try to fight the battles that only the Lord can equip us with to battle while using our own strength. The beauty of fighting spiritual warfare is that He gives us the strength and the equipment to do spiritual warfare. It all belongs to Him. So we have to say to ourselves “Self get out of the way” and accept God’s whole armour. Apart from God’s grace and help we wouldn’t have truth, righteousness, readiness to share the gospel, and the faith we acquired by Him to believe in His Son. God is awesome.
10Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.11Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.13Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:
Paul gives instructions on how we should conduct our selves in society and amongst immediate household or family members in the first nine verses. He then prepares us for the big picture. The first thing he says is the most important thing in verse 10, being strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Too many times we try to fight the battles that only the Lord can equip us with to battle while using our own strength. The beauty of fighting spiritual warfare is that He gives us the strength and the equipment to do spiritual warfare. It all belongs to Him. So we have to say to ourselves “Self get out of the way” and accept God’s whole armour. Apart from God’s grace and help we wouldn’t have truth, righteousness, readiness to share the gospel, and the faith we acquired by Him to believe in His Son. God is awesome.
Thanksgiving Day
Psalm 95
1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD. Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods.
1 Timothy 2:1
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Today is a great day to be thankful because not only is it thanksgiving but we have a Father in heaven who loves us all everyday. I am thankful to have you all a part of Kingdom Walkers and supporting this group. God is great and He wants us to have the best gift in His Son the Christ. He wants us to have access to his eternal goodness. Today I am thankful to have a chance to get to know a God who is so major,created the universe and still wants to know us even in our falling short of His glory. That is a great reason to be thankful. He is awesome in every sense of the word. What are you thankful for?
1 Oh come, let us sing to the LORD. Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms. 3 For the LORD is the great God, And the great King above all gods.
1 Timothy 2:1
1 Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Today is a great day to be thankful because not only is it thanksgiving but we have a Father in heaven who loves us all everyday. I am thankful to have you all a part of Kingdom Walkers and supporting this group. God is great and He wants us to have the best gift in His Son the Christ. He wants us to have access to his eternal goodness. Today I am thankful to have a chance to get to know a God who is so major,created the universe and still wants to know us even in our falling short of His glory. That is a great reason to be thankful. He is awesome in every sense of the word. What are you thankful for?
What God wants
Micah 6:6 With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the High God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, Ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justly, To love mercy, And to walk humbly with your God?
What if we were still living under the 1st covenant from Moses where we had to sacrifice cows, goats, and sheep? That would be wild and I’m sure being a cattlemen would be the career of choice but thank God for Jesus. We don’t have the same method because of Christ being the ultimate sacrifice for us and establishing the new covenant. Our method is prayer and the same applies to us concerning our ways to amend our sins with the Lord. I John 1:9 say if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Though we still have access to forgiveness He wants us still to repent or change our way of thinking towards sin.
What God desires from us is tied into the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:36-40 of loving Him and loving people. Those two go hand and hand and we can’t have one without the other. I John 4:20 say If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
Additional reading for this devotional 1 Samuel 15:22
What if we were still living under the 1st covenant from Moses where we had to sacrifice cows, goats, and sheep? That would be wild and I’m sure being a cattlemen would be the career of choice but thank God for Jesus. We don’t have the same method because of Christ being the ultimate sacrifice for us and establishing the new covenant. Our method is prayer and the same applies to us concerning our ways to amend our sins with the Lord. I John 1:9 say if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. Though we still have access to forgiveness He wants us still to repent or change our way of thinking towards sin.
What God desires from us is tied into the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:36-40 of loving Him and loving people. Those two go hand and hand and we can’t have one without the other. I John 4:20 say If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?
Additional reading for this devotional 1 Samuel 15:22
Let love rule
44But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? 47And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. (KJV)
Nobody is perfect. We are just human. What do you call that? You call that the get out of living righteous for the Father free card. It is clearly stated in verse 48 as a commandment and "be"is definitely an imperative verb. Its not easy but has to be practiced. Christ attributes perfection to loving our enemies as well as those who are our friends or those who are kind to us. It is the same love which affects are mentioned by Paul in Romans 13:10
"Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law".
Our neighbors are not categorized by friendly,evil,good, or bad. Neighbor as God sees it is everyone on the planet other than ourselves. I pray that we strive everyday to "getter done" and let love rule.
Nobody is perfect. We are just human. What do you call that? You call that the get out of living righteous for the Father free card. It is clearly stated in verse 48 as a commandment and "be"is definitely an imperative verb. Its not easy but has to be practiced. Christ attributes perfection to loving our enemies as well as those who are our friends or those who are kind to us. It is the same love which affects are mentioned by Paul in Romans 13:10
"Love does no harm to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the law".
Our neighbors are not categorized by friendly,evil,good, or bad. Neighbor as God sees it is everyone on the planet other than ourselves. I pray that we strive everyday to "getter done" and let love rule.
Wrestling
Isaiah 45:9But doom to you who fight your Maker— you're a pot at odds with the potter!Does clay talk back to the potter: 'What are you doing? What clumsy fingers!'Would a sperm say to a father, 'Who gave you permission to use me to make a baby?'
Or a fetus to a mother, 'Why have you cooped me up in this belly?'" (The Message V.)
Colossians 1:16,17
16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (KJV.)
Could you imagine being the creator or manufacturer of a product and being denied access to or even being discredited for being that creator? It is the same thing that goes on in the world today concerning our Lord. If you are the creator of a wonderful creation you wouldn't just want it to go to waste and you definitely wouldn't want a counterfeit creator to take the credit and receive glory and recognition. This struggle lies within the earth. Christ came to discredit,destroy, and deliver us from the works of the Devil. He is the clear choice for those who want life. The Original and Originator of all things. He is Lord. He is King. He is Ruler. ALL things were made for Him and He is the reason why we exist. So why do we struggle with that truth? And why do we even at times doubt this very Word and sin or have disbelief that He knows what is best?
Or a fetus to a mother, 'Why have you cooped me up in this belly?'" (The Message V.)
Colossians 1:16,17
16For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him 17And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. (KJV.)
Could you imagine being the creator or manufacturer of a product and being denied access to or even being discredited for being that creator? It is the same thing that goes on in the world today concerning our Lord. If you are the creator of a wonderful creation you wouldn't just want it to go to waste and you definitely wouldn't want a counterfeit creator to take the credit and receive glory and recognition. This struggle lies within the earth. Christ came to discredit,destroy, and deliver us from the works of the Devil. He is the clear choice for those who want life. The Original and Originator of all things. He is Lord. He is King. He is Ruler. ALL things were made for Him and He is the reason why we exist. So why do we struggle with that truth? And why do we even at times doubt this very Word and sin or have disbelief that He knows what is best?
Transformed mind
Romans 12:1 I appeal to you therefore, brothers,by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
Conform-to act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, etc., of society or a group.
transform-to change in condition, nature, or character; convert.
Romans 12:1 is a familiar passage but we often fail to realize the importance of taking its advice. Each day is a new day and we must realize how dependent we are on God and how even missing one day of mind renewal has an affect on our day,week, and ultimately our lives. It is tied to the A part of the verse in our life presentation to the Father of what is acceptable which is being loving toward Him in the sacrifice of totally giving ourselves to Him in spirit, body,and soul. It easier said than done but mind renewal shapes the effort. We all know that there is nothing done without there first being a thought and that our minds are the manufacturers of our speech and actions. When we start taking the time at the start of each new day to change the way we think then we can begin walking in the transformation. I pray that we ask God to give us the mind of Christ to help us handle day to day situations so that we can make good,acceptable, and perfect choices.
A good read to accompany this devotional is James 4
Conform-to act in accord with the prevailing standards, attitudes, practices, etc., of society or a group.
transform-to change in condition, nature, or character; convert.
Romans 12:1 is a familiar passage but we often fail to realize the importance of taking its advice. Each day is a new day and we must realize how dependent we are on God and how even missing one day of mind renewal has an affect on our day,week, and ultimately our lives. It is tied to the A part of the verse in our life presentation to the Father of what is acceptable which is being loving toward Him in the sacrifice of totally giving ourselves to Him in spirit, body,and soul. It easier said than done but mind renewal shapes the effort. We all know that there is nothing done without there first being a thought and that our minds are the manufacturers of our speech and actions. When we start taking the time at the start of each new day to change the way we think then we can begin walking in the transformation. I pray that we ask God to give us the mind of Christ to help us handle day to day situations so that we can make good,acceptable, and perfect choices.
A good read to accompany this devotional is James 4
Finding the narrow way
Matthew 7: 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because]narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
When keeping up with Joneses goes wrong? Verse 13 says many go by it meaning the narrow gate. Jesus also says in the same chapter (verse 22)
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
There seems to be a connection with many here. The many in verse 13 seems like the wild bunch that probably were just on their way to destruction anyway and the many in verse 22 seemed like they had their stuff together. In all actuality they are one in the same. It is our responsibility to follow Christ and to know Him. If we simply live off of what is told about Him without seeking Him for ourselves then we look like the many in verse 13 in some degree. Well so and so is doing such and such then it must be okay for me to do such and such. Also by only performing religious acts without practicing righteousness puts us in the verse 22 many. We move from the way that seems right to the way that is right then we seek to follow Jesus Christ.
When keeping up with Joneses goes wrong? Verse 13 says many go by it meaning the narrow gate. Jesus also says in the same chapter (verse 22)
22Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
There seems to be a connection with many here. The many in verse 13 seems like the wild bunch that probably were just on their way to destruction anyway and the many in verse 22 seemed like they had their stuff together. In all actuality they are one in the same. It is our responsibility to follow Christ and to know Him. If we simply live off of what is told about Him without seeking Him for ourselves then we look like the many in verse 13 in some degree. Well so and so is doing such and such then it must be okay for me to do such and such. Also by only performing religious acts without practicing righteousness puts us in the verse 22 many. We move from the way that seems right to the way that is right then we seek to follow Jesus Christ.
Solid foundation
Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”
Storms in our lives may occur like storm patterns in the weather but one thing for sure is that storms do not discriminate. Jesus warned the people to build their houses on a solid foundation for sure and as we see in this illustration that the storm came to both the wise man and the fool. The ability to resist the storm lies in our ability to be prepared for the storm. Jesus said the wise man was similar to a man that heard His sayings and applied what he heard from the Christ to His life. When we don’t hear and apply what Christ is saying to our lives then we ultimately set our lives up for “a great fall” like the fool who built his house on sand. Pride or just plain ole disobedience reflects the heart of the fool. It is our way of telling God that hey I know you see all things from Eternity and know all things from beginning to end but pull over Jesus and let me take the wheel.
Storms in our lives may occur like storm patterns in the weather but one thing for sure is that storms do not discriminate. Jesus warned the people to build their houses on a solid foundation for sure and as we see in this illustration that the storm came to both the wise man and the fool. The ability to resist the storm lies in our ability to be prepared for the storm. Jesus said the wise man was similar to a man that heard His sayings and applied what he heard from the Christ to His life. When we don’t hear and apply what Christ is saying to our lives then we ultimately set our lives up for “a great fall” like the fool who built his house on sand. Pride or just plain ole disobedience reflects the heart of the fool. It is our way of telling God that hey I know you see all things from Eternity and know all things from beginning to end but pull over Jesus and let me take the wheel.
Faith
I am thankful for the opportunity of new life each morning. It so easy to get into the forgetful mindset that someone may not have woke up this morning and may have passed away last night. Life at best is a vapor as described by the Apostle James. It is probably the drive and desire to live that pushes the reality of our mortality away. Each day is a new day to ask the Father what can we do to satisfy Him. One way is to simply believe in Him and pursue Him.
Hebrews 11:6 says But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
I like dictionary.com definition for diligently. Diligently is pursued with persevering attention.
Faith seems elementary but Jesus said if we had the faith the size of a mustard seed that we could move mountains. So what is it that we have then? My desire is to have the child like faith that is required for Kingdom inheritance. The sitting in the chair and car cranking faith that we exhibit everyday. That is the type of faith that we should have for our God. We should believe His words and have corresponding actions. We expect the chair to hold us up and the car to crank to take us to and fro. What are our expectations and beliefs in God and what He says?
Hebrews 11:6 says But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.
I like dictionary.com definition for diligently. Diligently is pursued with persevering attention.
Faith seems elementary but Jesus said if we had the faith the size of a mustard seed that we could move mountains. So what is it that we have then? My desire is to have the child like faith that is required for Kingdom inheritance. The sitting in the chair and car cranking faith that we exhibit everyday. That is the type of faith that we should have for our God. We should believe His words and have corresponding actions. We expect the chair to hold us up and the car to crank to take us to and fro. What are our expectations and beliefs in God and what He says?
Fair is fair.
People may say life isn’t fair. God is. He operates from His throne in sovereignty and justice. He extends His mercy to us and expects the same thing of us. I like the Kingdom parable Jesus uses in Matthew 18:23-35 with the king who shows mercy on one of his subjects who owes him a large amount of money and this same guy who is pardoned from the king leaves and sees a man that owes him a small amount and chokes the guy out. He demands he pay him back even after the dude pleads for mercy. It is the same with us when we want forgiveness from God but yet hold resentment or unforgivness in our heart for a family member, former co-worker, employer, classmate, ex-significant other or who ever. We should take inventory of our hearts and search it and release that debt of stubbornness and pride. We can even ask God to help us recollect our memory for the sort. We ask God for forgiveness for what we have done and have expectations of His mercy. We should distribute equally the same mercy and forgiveness.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy
Matthew 6:14,15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy
Matthew 6:14,15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Christ on the Mind
3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. 5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
Simply said. We should put on the mind of Christ and keep it on. Its not just being nice for a day but a lifestyle of thinking about others first. To appease the gasp moment this is considerably harder to do than say. When we live in a world that tells you to "express yourself" and "find yourself" then it is easy to see why the mind of Christ is the last thing on most people's mind. One of the reasons Christ came here to earth was to establish love demonstrated in the commandment of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. The word "as" means to the same degree or amount or equally. *Gasp* but Let us also suffocate or take the air from "putting ourself on" and continue to walk or start to walk in the consideration and humility that Christ so warrants.
Simply said. We should put on the mind of Christ and keep it on. Its not just being nice for a day but a lifestyle of thinking about others first. To appease the gasp moment this is considerably harder to do than say. When we live in a world that tells you to "express yourself" and "find yourself" then it is easy to see why the mind of Christ is the last thing on most people's mind. One of the reasons Christ came here to earth was to establish love demonstrated in the commandment of loving our neighbors as we love ourselves. The word "as" means to the same degree or amount or equally. *Gasp* but Let us also suffocate or take the air from "putting ourself on" and continue to walk or start to walk in the consideration and humility that Christ so warrants.
Never alone
2 Kings 6:15-17
15When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" 16He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
This is one of my favorite passages in the old testament. It reminds me that even when it seems like we are out numbered and the odds are against us that the Lord has all things worked out in our favor above head. Don't allow the army of debt, despair, misfortune, depression, and anything else that may want to take our hearts and mind off the Christ to overshadow the truth of the Lord's promise to be with those who love Him even until the end of the world. Thank the Lord for giving us the ability and stre
15When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" 16He said, "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them." 17Then Elisha prayed and said, "O LORD, please open his eyes that he may see." So the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
This is one of my favorite passages in the old testament. It reminds me that even when it seems like we are out numbered and the odds are against us that the Lord has all things worked out in our favor above head. Don't allow the army of debt, despair, misfortune, depression, and anything else that may want to take our hearts and mind off the Christ to overshadow the truth of the Lord's promise to be with those who love Him even until the end of the world. Thank the Lord for giving us the ability and stre
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